Sarah Jo Walker
Sarah Jo Walker, 82, of Dunlap went “Home” to be with the Lord, Thursday July 24, 2014.
Sarah Jo was born, raised, and lived her whole life in Dunlap, and was a direct descendent of the first European settlers of the Sequatchie Valley. She grew up in two old family businesses, the Putnam-Standefer Funeral Home and Standefer Furniture Store. She attended
Carson-Newman College and the University of Chattanooga. She taught fourth grade at Dunlap Elementary School and was a member of the Retired Teachers Association. She retired after more than 35 years with Tennessee Department of Human Services. She was a member of the Dunlap First Baptist Church for nearly 75 years. Sarah Jo was a Past Worthy Matron of Cherokee Chapter # 301 O.E.S.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Gordon Polk and Katherine Barker Standefer; and brother, George Polk Standefer.
She is survived by her husband of almost 62 years, Roy Joe Walker; son, Mike (Vicki Sowder) Walker, LaVergne; three grandchildren, Sarah Elizabeth Walker and Christopher M. Walker of Dunlap, and Michaela Standefer Walker, LaVergne; five step-grandchildren, Summer (Jimmy) Hartman, Dunlap, Sunni, Austin and Skye Jackson, all of LaVergne, and Dexter Robertson, Athens; many other family and friends; lifelong special “sisters”, Patsy (Hollis) Pope and Brownie Gray Ewton.
Serving as pallbearers were Gary Pope, Norman Hatfield, Philip Roberson, Landon Greer, Jonathan Kelly, and Ed Nunley; honorary pallbearers, Dunlap Fire Department, Sequatchie County Sheriff’s Department, Dunlap Police Department, and Daniel, Josiah, and Jarred Allen.
Funeral services were held Sunday, July 27 at Dunlap First Baptist Church with Bro. Jeremy Byrd and Bro. Fred Steelman officiating.
Burial was in Rankin Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Sarah Jo Walker scholarship fund at Citizens Tri-County Bank to provide a scholarship for a Sequatchie County High School senior who will be attending college to pursue a degree in education or social work.
Online condolences can be made at reedfamilyfh.com.
Standefer-Reed Funeral Home of Dunlap was in charge of arrangements.
